I was able to open and smoke test the replacement TS-790A. All the lights came on. I would really like to rearrange the shack some to make "real" space available for this radio. It is too nice to be "hacked" into place.

+++++

Second I wanted to bring up the Dell SX/260 that I bought via ebay. Locals Jeff and JV had purchased a couple and deemed them a good deal. After playing with one, I agree.

The Dell sx/260 is pretty nice. Older machine. About the size of a college hardback dictionary. ~$250 on ebay. Moved all of my ham radio software over to it last night and this afternoon.

It maxes out at 144W rather than 300W (need to actually measure the draw). Should be much cheaper to run. It is also Windows XP, so it should be more stable than the other machine.

MMTTYInstalled and since I've been dealing with it on pretty much every computer I own it went flawlessly.

N1MM with CWSame here.

AGWPE and TelPacPretty painless as well. Need to contact the AGWPE people to get another license key for the new computer.

+++++

BARTG RTTY Sprint

My results from playing around in the BARTG RTTY Sprint. Again, not serious, basically checking to make sure my MMTTY set-up was working right, and to hand out points.

Most of the CW seemed "slow" and all of it was cope-able with. I felt fully comfortable engaging a contact without needing to listen to the exchange first. (Although it was nice if I could.) There were several times when I could make back-to-back minute exchanges.

Thursday, January 11, 2007

Boy do I need to catch up here!

(Will fill in as time allows.)

The saga of the TS-790A

So, I was looking for a good VHF/UHF multi-mode rig because I want to work satellites at some point. After doing some research it seems like the TS-790A was a really good choice and superior to most modern rigs on the market. So going on the used market I found a complete set-up, rig, power supply, speaker, and negotiated a $1200 price for it including shipping.

Background on Conrad - The seller was a long time ham who was having some sort of unspecified family issue that required selling his stuff for cash. I knew this, and certainly didn't grind him on price. Just made sure that the payments were correct and timely (even picked up the $200 shipping tab to help out).

It was clear that the seller REALLY loved the radio and was only selling it under extreme duress.

After some time I received the rig and got it on the air. The reviews are correct. It is a VERY sweet radio.

So light/dark another day. Sure enough about a 1/2 year later I get an email from Conrad asking if he can buy the rig back. I don't want to lose the radio, but it is "Golden Rule" time. And it doesn't count if you only apply it when it is easy...

Finding another rigThe hunt for the manualsWaiting for the check.

Improvements status

Noise is biggestNo further progress on antennasAmp(s) on order

Kid's Day

Grumpy old men and clueless teenagers on the repeatersGreg and some guy on 20m SSBAbandon: More RTTY RUJoey goes to town!

ARRL RTTY Round Up

ArrivalEarly resultsGrumpy wifeThe next morningLeaving for Kid's Day

Stew Perry

Original planChange in plansRun to radio shackFun with a sling shotIt just won't tuneTwo contacts

Adventures in QRM

JVPG&EThe ambassador and Christmas cookiesCalling the manufactureRecalling the home ownerWaiting...